CVE-2018-6350 : What You Need to Know

WhatsApp for Android, WhatsApp Business for Android, WhatsApp for iOS, WhatsApp Business for iOS, and WhatsApp for Windows Phone versions prior to specified versions are affected by an out-of-bounds read vulnerability due to incorrect parsing of RTP extension headers.

Understanding CVE-2018-6350

This CVE identifier pertains to a security vulnerability in various WhatsApp applications that could allow an attacker to perform an out-of-bounds read.

What is CVE-2018-6350?

The vulnerability in WhatsApp applications arises from the incorrect parsing of RTP extension headers, leading to the potential for an out-of-bounds read.

The Impact of CVE-2018-6350

The vulnerability affects multiple versions of WhatsApp for Android, iOS, and Windows Phone, potentially enabling malicious actors to exploit the out-of-bounds read issue.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-6350

The technical details of the CVE-2018-6350 vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows for an out-of-bounds read due to the incorrect handling of RTP extension headers in WhatsApp applications.

Affected Systems and Versions

WhatsApp for Android versions prior to 2.18.276
WhatsApp Business for Android versions prior to 2.18.99
WhatsApp for iOS versions prior to 2.18.100.6
WhatsApp Business for iOS versions prior to 2.18.100.2
WhatsApp for Windows Phone versions prior to 2.18.224

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by manipulating RTP extension headers, potentially leading to an out-of-bounds read.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-6350, the following steps are recommended:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update WhatsApp applications to the latest versions that contain security patches.
Exercise caution while opening messages or media files from unknown sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all software and applications to mitigate potential security risks.
Educate users about safe practices while using messaging applications to prevent exploitation of vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Facebook, the vendor of WhatsApp, may release patches to address the vulnerability. Stay informed about security updates and apply them promptly.